Department
Biological Sciences
Major
Biological Sciences
Research Advisor
Duvernell, David D. (David Douglas), 1970-
Advisor's Department
Biological Sciences
Funding Source
PSMRC
Abstract
The study of North American freshwater ichthyofauna reveals a diversity shaped by the continent's geologic past and the extensive effects of Pleistocene glaciation on river systems. Ericymba dorsalis (Bigmouth 69 Shiner) is a minnow species with a broad distribution in the Mississippi River basin from Wyoming to New York. Despite exhibiting consistent morphological features across its range, the species' widespread northern distribution suggests the potential existence of multiple, genetically distinct lineages. This research tested the hypothesis that separate drainage systems harbor genetically distinct groups of E. dorsalis. Our results identified five clades, each associated with major drainages. Populations of the Missouri River, upper Mississippi River, and Illinois River, respectively, grouped into three clades with divergence of 1.3-1.6%, indicating a Pleistocene origin. Three disjunct populations located in Great Lakes tributaries in western Michigan, Ohio, and New York, respectively, formed a fourth clade, and population samples from the Allegheny River in Pennsylvania formed a fifth clade. The divergence of the Great Lakes and Allegheny clades from the western clades ranged 4.3-5.3%, suggesting an early Pleistocene or Pliocene origin. This pattern of distribution underscores the role of vicariance biogeography during Pleistocene glaciation, on the current distribution of genetic diversity in E. dorsalis.
Biography
James Ramette is a Junior in Biological Sciences who plans to apply to medical school this coming cycle. James enjoys challenging himself academically and learning new information. He is currently the Service Chair for the fraternity Kappa Alpha here on campus, a child mentor for Mentoring Makes a Difference, and a member of the AHEC Scholars program along with being an undergraduate researcher. In his free time, James enjoys hiking and reading.
Patrick Appiah is a Ghanaian student who initially pursued agricultural biotechnology at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology before transferring to Missouri University of Science and Technology to study biology. With a strong understanding of genetics, Patrick brings a diverse academic background to his studies. Patrick is aspiring to become a molecular geneticist, and his experience working in a lab has been invaluable in shaping his understanding of the field. He believes that the skills and knowledge gained will significantly contribute to his personal growth and long-term career success in molecular genetics.
Research Category
Sciences
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Location
Innovation Forum - 1st Floor Innovation Lab
Presentation Date
10 April 2024, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Molecular Genetics and Phylogeny of Bigmouth Shiner, Notropis dorsalis
Innovation Forum - 1st Floor Innovation Lab
The study of North American freshwater ichthyofauna reveals a diversity shaped by the continent's geologic past and the extensive effects of Pleistocene glaciation on river systems. Ericymba dorsalis (Bigmouth 69 Shiner) is a minnow species with a broad distribution in the Mississippi River basin from Wyoming to New York. Despite exhibiting consistent morphological features across its range, the species' widespread northern distribution suggests the potential existence of multiple, genetically distinct lineages. This research tested the hypothesis that separate drainage systems harbor genetically distinct groups of E. dorsalis. Our results identified five clades, each associated with major drainages. Populations of the Missouri River, upper Mississippi River, and Illinois River, respectively, grouped into three clades with divergence of 1.3-1.6%, indicating a Pleistocene origin. Three disjunct populations located in Great Lakes tributaries in western Michigan, Ohio, and New York, respectively, formed a fourth clade, and population samples from the Allegheny River in Pennsylvania formed a fifth clade. The divergence of the Great Lakes and Allegheny clades from the western clades ranged 4.3-5.3%, suggesting an early Pleistocene or Pliocene origin. This pattern of distribution underscores the role of vicariance biogeography during Pleistocene glaciation, on the current distribution of genetic diversity in E. dorsalis.
